Background Statement Practice

A background statement is the first sentence of an IELTS essay. It is written to introduce the essay question by paraphrasing it. Below you will find an IELTS writing task 2 essay question with model background statements. Also watch the video lesson below to learn how to write an introduction properly.

Essay Question

GOVERNMENTS SHOULD NOT INVEST IN ARTS SUCH AS MUSIC AND THEATER. GOVERNMENTS MUST INVEST MORE IN PUBLIC SERVICES.
TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU AGREE?

 Background Statements
The background statement below is good and the techniques used are fine. However, it contains two errors. Can you spot the mistakes?
It is considered by many that government should spend more funds on public welfare rather than investing in art, for instance,music and theatre.
It contains two mistakes. Can you find them?
Answers: Click below to reveal the answers
Answers
  1. article “the” – it should be written “the government”. Missing “the” and “a” from sentences is one of the most common grammar mistakes that students make.
  2. Public welfare is not the same as public services. Public services relate to public transport and the health system. However, public welfare relates to benefits for unemployed or sick people.

 

Model Background Statement

Some people think that the government should spend more money on public services instead of using their budget to support the arts, for instance theater and music.

Full introduction

One Sided Approach

Some people think that the government should spend more money on public services instead of using their budget to support the arts, for instance theater and music. In my opinion, I fully agree that money should be spent on public transport and the health system as it is a waste of resources to fund the arts. (56 words)

Balanced Approach

Some people think that the government should spend more money on public services instead of using their budget to support the arts, for instance theater and music. In my opinion, although more investment is needed in public transportation and the health system, the arts play an important role in society and should not be ignored. (55 words)

How to write an Introduction for IELTS Essays

Watch this video to learn how to write both a background statement and a thesis statement for an IELTS opinion essay.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/YngqHl_BLOU”]

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Comments

  1. Apar Rahman says

    should the essays be one sided or balanced? Which is more preferable? Also should it be written in the third person?

    • The opinion is yours to decide. It is your opinion. One approach doesn’t get a higher score than the other. It depends on the question, your ideas and your view. I’m not sure what you mean about “third person”. You can’t give your personal opinion in the third person – you must use “I” or “my” to state your own view. But the essay itself is about people in general. Please go to the HONE and learn how to access the writing task 2 section of this site to find model essays, tips, video etc.

  2. Pierre Teo says

    Can I use “public facilities” to paraphrase public services? Thank you!

  3. AKINYEMI FOLASADE says

    Okay, so I got my result and guess what! I passed
    Listening 7.5
    Reading 8.0
    Writing 7.5
    Speaking 6.5
    Overall – 7.5
    Thanks to your great work on your website..it was perfectly helpful. ..I could hug you right now

  4. AKINYEMI FOLASADE says

    Had my test done yesterday. Your website has really been helpful. Thanks ao much Ms. Elizabeth.

  5. AKINYEMI FOLASADE says

    I stumbled across your website. ..and I bless God everyday I did. ..It’s bn so so so helpful. ..My test is at d end of next week, but I still have issues with developing idea for writing tasks…Can u pls put me through?

  6. I have been spending lot to gain right knowledge n understanding to score my taget but I accidentally found this website and understood this is a very helpful teaching and points are there.
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  7. Svetlana says

    *great

  8. Svetlana says

    Your explanations are clear, distinct and really helpful – just fine! Thanks a lot Liz! Grear job!

  9. Hi Liz.Is it possible to paraphrase public servises as community servises?

    • No. It’s best not to paraphrase this. Public services are public services.

      • Sabina says

        thank you very much!

      • Manpreet kaur says

        Question: The role of education is to prepare children for the modern world. Schools should cut art and music out of the curriculum so that children can focus on useful subjects such as information technology. To what extent do you agree?

        Introduction: Education is third eye of human being which make children to able for adapting new environment. Some people reckon that literature and music subjects should wipe out from school studies so that kids can concentrate on beneficial subjects like information technology . In my opinion , I am in consummate disaccord with this notion of removing art and music in studies.

  10. IELTS learner says

    Simple and effective. Perfect!

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